SFA-5.1/SFA-5.

1M 2007 SECTION II, PART C

TABLE A3
TYPICAL STORAGE AND DRYING CONDITIONS FOR COVERED ARC WELDING ELECTRODES
AWS Classification Storage Conditions(1,2)
Drying
A5.1 A5.1M Ambient Air Holding Ovens Conditions(3)

E6010, E6011 E4310, E4311 Ambient temperature Not recommended Not recommended

E6012, E6013, E6019, E4312, E4313, E4319 80°F ± 20°F 20°F to 40°F 275°F ± 25°F
E6020, E6022, E6027, E4320, E4322, E4327, [30°C ± 10°C] [10°C to 20°C] [135°C ± 15°C]
E7014, E7024, E7027 E4914, E4924, E4927 50% max. above ambient 1 hr at
relative humidity temperature temperature

E6018, E7015, E7016, E4318, E4915, E4916, Not recommended 50°F to 250°F 500°F to 800°F
E7018, E7028, E7018M, E4918, E4928, E4918M, [30°C to 140°C] [260°C to 425°C]
E7048 E4948 above ambient 1-2 hr at tem-
temperature perature

NOTES:
(1) After removal from manufacturer’s packaging.
(2) Some of these electrode classifications may be designated as meeting low moisture absorbing requirements. This designation does not imply
that storage in ambient air is recommended.
(3) Because of inherent differences in covering composition, the manufacturers should be consulted for the exact drying conditions.

and low-hydrogen electrodes, as well as to recognize the A7. Description and Intended Use of Electrodes
industry demand for electrodes with 70 ksi [490 MPa] A7.1 E6010 [E4310] Classification
minimum tensile strength. Unlike the E70XX-X
[E49XX-X] classification in AWS A5.5, Specification for A7.1.1 E6010 [E4310] electrodes are characterized
Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Weld- by a deeply penetrating, forceful, spray type arc and readily
ing, these electrodes do not contain deliberate alloy addi- removable, thin, friable slag which may not seem to com-
tions, nor are they required to meet minimum tensile pletely cover the weld bead. Fillet welds usually have a
properties after postweld heat treatment. relatively flat weld face and have a rather coarse, unevenly
spaced ripple. The coverings are high in cellulose, usually
A6.13.4 E70XX [E49XX] low-hydrogen electrodes exceeding 30% by weight. The other materials generally
have mineral coverings which are high in limestone and used in the covering include titanium dioxide, metallic
other ingredients that are low in moisture and hence pro- deoxidizers such as ferromanganese, various types of mag-
duce weld deposits “low in hydrogen content.” nesium or aluminum silicates, and liquid sodium silicate
Low-hydrogen electrodes were developed for welding as a binder. Because of their covering composition, these
low-alloy high-strength steels, some of which were high electrodes are generally described as the high-cellulose
in carbon content. Electrodes with other than low-hydrogen sodium type.
coverings may produce “hydrogen-induced cracking” in
A7.1.2 These electrodes are recommended for all
those steels. These underbead cracks occur in the base
welding positions, particularly on multiple pass applica-
metal, usually just below the weld bead. Weld metal cracks
tions in the vertical and overhead welding positions and
may also occur.
where welds of good soundness are required. They fre-
Low-hydrogen electrodes should be used when welding
quently are selected for joining pipe and generally are
high-sulfur or enameling steels. Other electrodes are likely
capable of welding in the vertical position with either uphill
to cause porosity and/or cracks in high-sulfur steels. With
or downhill progression.
enameling steels, the hydrogen that escapes after welding
with other than low-hydrogen electrodes produces holes A7.1.3 The majority of applications for these elec-
in the enamel. trodes is in joining carbon steel. However, they have been
used to advantage on galvanized steel and on some
A6.14 Amperage Ranges. Table A4 gives amperage low-alloy steels. Typical applications include shipbuilding,
ranges which are satisfactory for most classifications. buildings, bridges, storage tanks,piping, and pressure ves-
When welding vertically upward, currents near the lower sel fittings. Since the applications are so widespread, a
limit of the range are generally used. discussion of each is impractical. Sizes larger than 3⁄16 in.

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